The always entertaining poker pro Daniel Negreanu will be on hand at The Comedy Fesitval Poker Tournament to assist A-list comedians on Nov. 17 at PURE Nightclub of Caesars Las Vegas for an event benefiting the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.Billy Crystal, Whoopie Goldberg, Robin Williams, Mark Wahlberg, and Chris Albrecht of HBO will host the signature charity event, while Negreanu and FBI counterintelligence expert Joe Navarro will be on hand to coach players participating in the $15,000 no-limit Texas hold'em tournament.
"I'm a huge fan of comedy," says Negreanu, "and I'm very excited to be a part of the charity poker event."
Former FBI agent Joe Navarro will also be part of the coaching team. Navarro is a counterintelligence and counterterrorism expert who is considered an authority on reading verbal and nonverbal communications. His talents have translated well into the poker industry and are in great demand by pro and amateur players. Navarro will be on hand for both technical and entertainment purposes.
"I am very proud to be a part of such a good charitable cause," said Navarro, "and hope that we can raise a significant amount for the children's hospital."Anteing up to win big prizes will be Entourage cast members Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven. Also slated to participate are HBO Curb Your Enthusiasm's Susie Essman, Las Vegas comedy queen Rita Rudner, Last Comic Standing's Ross Mark, renowned Olympics and boxing sports broadcaster Jim Lampley, The Wire cast member Andre Royo, and Rosanne Barr (who needs no introduction).
Prizes donated by sponsors include:
1. Black Diamond passes for two persons to every event at the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, including travel and accommodations
2. A walk-on part on the HBO hit series Entourage
3. A 2007 Custom Harley Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe
4. AG (Adriano Goldschmied) VIP outfitting for two.
5. A two-day World Series of Poker Academy package.
Last year's event generated over $350,000. HBO CEO Chris Albrecht is confident that 2006 projections will exceed that amount. "The first-ever Celebrity Poker Tournament at The Comedy Festival raised over $350,000." Said Albrecht. "We look forward to raising more money and awareness for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and the significant work they do in children's pediatrics."
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is an international leader in pediatric medicine and has been a vital resource for children and families in Southern California since 1901. Proceeds from the Celebrity Poker Tournament will go toward the construction of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles' new hospital building.
"It's for a great cause," says Negreanu, "and with the cast of celebrities playing, it promises to be an absolute blast."
Players wishing to buy in should contact Harvin Rogas through 5B Events at (310) 559-9334.
